According to new data from the FBI, Saginaw is once again considered highest for violent crime in the nation. The statistics look at crime data from the latest full year, 2008 in this instance. This marks the fifth year Saginaw has ranked in the top spot.
This is one #1 position no city wants to have. The statistics examine crime data from cities across the country whose population is more than 40,000. Around 850 cities are taken into consideration according to this article from The Saginaw News.
What makes this even more interesting is that violent crime in this small city continues to climb despite the population diminishing. Since 2000, Saginaw has lost 10% of its population. This loss is largely attributed to the loss of industry in this once booming town.
Michigan, as a whole, didn’t do too good in the 2008 rankings with Saginaw at #1, Flint at #6, Detroit at #10, and Pontiac at #11.
Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas blames several things when asked about the numbers. He finds issue in reductions in the number of police, “more lenient state sentencing guidelines” and a low number of prosecutors in Saginaw County.
Interestingly, poverty and the lack of industry weren’t mentioned as potential causes. Many criminologists point to unemployment and poverty as huge factors in high crime areas and it seems to me that at least as much attention should be given to prevention as policing and prosecution.
Violent crimes are often committed in the heat of the moment when stress levels are high. Sometimes you catch yourself acting out of rage and the next thing you know you are sitting in the back of a cop car with your hands cuffed behind your back.
Whether you are accused of hurting someone you love or defending yourself against a stranger, we can help. Our defense lawyers know the stress of being caught up in the legal system and also understand the defensive strategies that can help your case. Assault, domestic violence, and even drug offenses can lead to lengthy prison terms.
Contact our attorneys today if you are facing charges like these throughout the state of Michigan. We can give you some free legal advice and let you know how different defense strategies may help your case.
